Footy News Jan 15, 2008

Newcastle’s chairman Chris Mort has decided what Newcastle need in a manager:

1. The ability to get the team playing winning and attractive football

2. A willingness to develop the youth elements of the club

3. The ability to speak English

4. A personality which is able to deal with the pressures of managing one of the country’s biggest clubs

Steve McClaren is said to have stepped out of the race based on points 1, through to 4.

Animal On the Loose

Gloves up and protect your faces, Joey Barton is back in training at Newcastle. Caretaker boss Nigel Pearson said “He has got back in the last couple of days to basically assess his fitness, and we will go from there.” Next week he will be pounding the roads and on the speed ball, the week after on the punchbag and light sparring.

Quickfire Transfer News

Everton sign 17 year old Dan Gosling from Plymouth on a 3 year deal.

Bolton are set to complete their £3m swoop for defender Gretar Steinsson. link

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Lokomotiv Moscow over the transfer of Brainslav Ivanovic.

Kop It

Liverpool host Luton Town in the FA Cup 3rd round replay tonight. Whilst Luton are still fighting to stay afloat financially, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is also fighting to keep his job. A win for Luton tonight, although unlikely as Rafa will be fielding a strong side, could see the end of the Spaniards reign at Liverpool.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Whilst Beck’s is doing his utmost to stir the media up and get that 100th cap, so he can release his 100 range of football boots, his missus Posh has taken her backing dancers on the catwalk.